Lake Manyara National Park

Quick Facts on Lake Manyara National Park

• Location : Monduli District of Arusha Region, Tanzania
• Area : 470 square kilometres (180 sq mi)
• Max. length : 40 km (25 mi) max
• Max. width : 15 km (9.3 mi) max
• Max. depth : 3.7 m (12 ft)
• Surface elevation : 1,045 m (3,428 ft)

Getting to The Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park can be accessed through two main entry points: the northern and southern gates. The northern gate is more frequently used, as it’s closer to most safari lodges and camps. This makes it a convenient starting point for game drives and day visits. The southern gate is less commonly used but offers access to the quieter, more remote areas of the park. Depending on your safari route and accommodation, your entry point may vary.

Lake Manyara National Park

Getting to Lake Manyara by Air

Arusha is the gateway town for most Lake Manyara National Park Safaris. The most convenient way to get to Lake Manyara National Park when flying from outside to Tanzania is by scheduling your flight to the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). The airport is just 46 km. away from Arusha.

• You can also go a different way and book a charter flight from Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam.
• And then fly to Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

Flights from Arusha and Serengeti National Park to the airstrip in Lake Manyara are also available.

Getting to Lake Manyara by Road

Lake Manyara National Park is located 126 km away from Arusha and is well connected by road. It can be easily reached by any private conveyance. By car, it takes one to two hours on the newly constructed tarred road from Arusha Town to the Manyara entrance gate.

The park forms an important stop as part of your Northern Circuit safari. It can also be accessed through public transport like a bus to Mto wa Mbu village and then rent a car to get you into the park.

Weather And Climate Of Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is a delightful destination for any Tanzania Safari due to its consistently mild and comfortable climate. Daytime temperatures are generally consistent, with uncommon instances of excessive heat. Nevertheless, it is advisable to bring warm clothes for game drives during the early mornings and evenings, as the temperature can be quite cool.

The optimal period for wildlife observation is the dry season, which spans from June to October. Short rainfall from November to December and long rains from March to May are the two phases of the wet season, with a brief dry period in between. Light rain showers are common in the afternoon, with full-day precipitation being uncommon. The park's lush landscapes and wildlife activity are influenced by this seasonal variation throughout the year.

Monthly Average Temperatures In Lake Manyara

Rainfall Period

The amount of rainfall that Lake Manyara National Park receives varies depending on the time of year. The park experiences two distinct rainy seasons: the long rains, which occur from March to May, and the short rains, which occur from October to December. Here’s a table that will offer you more clues:

• During the long rainy season, the park receives the majority of its rainfall.
• This period coincides with the park's low season, which means that fewer tourists are visiting the park.
• The heavy rainfall during this time can make some parts of the park inaccessible.
• But it also creates lush vegetation and an abundance of water sources, which attract large numbers of animals.

During the short rainy season, the park receives less rainfall. This period is still considered a good time to visit the park, as the vegetation is still green and the wildlife is still abundant. However, the park can become quite dusty during this period, which can impact visibility.

When To Visit Lake Manyara National Park

You can visit Lake Manyara National Park throughout the year, as its wildlife and scenery remain impressive in every season. The park experiences two main seasons—the dry season and the wet season—each offering distinct advantages for travellers. Both seasons offer rewarding experiences, depending on your interests and safari expectations.

The Dry Seasons in Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park experiences two dry periods each year. The short dry spell typically occurs during January and February. The longer and more pronounced dry season lasts from June to October. These months are ideal for game viewing, as animals gather around limited water sources, making wildlife easier to spot.

• During these dry spells, more and more visitors do approach the park for outstanding game-viewing opportunities.
• Because limited water sources and vegetation are getting thin and short, spotting wildlife becomes easier.
• As a result of limited water sources, visitors can spot maximum wildlife forms concentrated in certain places which means more glances of prey-predator play.

This makes the dry season a suitable time to explore the vast wilderness and richness of Lake Manyara National Park.

The Wet Seasons in Lake Manyara National Park

The wet season in Lake Manyara National Park is defined by the period from November to May. The park is transformed into a vibrant, verdant, green landscape with tall grasses and lush vegetation following the rains, making it an ideal location for photography.

• Although the extensive vegetation can make it more difficult to observe animals, it is an ideal time for birdwatching.
• The landscape is enhanced by the arrival of a large number of migratory bird species, which contribute colour and movement.
• During this season, there are fewer visitors, which results in a more immersive and tranquil experience in the natural world.

The park's natural beauty is emphasised during the wet season, which provides a tranquil alternative to the busier drier months.

Here’s a quick comparison of both the dry and wet seasons of Lake Manyara National Park:

Seasonal Component(S)	Dry Season (From June To October)	Wet Season (From November To May)
Weather	Dry and Cool	Humid and Warm
Vegetation	Thin	Lush and vibrant
Wildlife	Concentrated on watering holes	Dispersed across the park.
Birdlife	Limited	Abundant
Accessibility	Good	Some areas can get very wet
Crowds	High	Low

Below is a monthly breakdown of visiting Lake Manyara National Park based on each month of the year. This will assist you in deciding which month you’d like to visit the park based on your preferences.

Birdlife of Lake Manyara National Park

No other Tanzania National Park comes close to providing the best birdwatching experience than Lake Manyara National Park. Over 400 different species of birds have been recorded in the park and one can expect to see more than 100 of them in just a single day of Tanzania Safari Packages. Below are some of the birding highlights of Lake Manyara:

A Dreamland of Flamingoes

The most probable birdwatching highlight of Lake Manyara National Park, and the aspect for which the park is most famous – is the population of flamingoes.

• Lake Manyara National Park Safaris allow you to see both greater and lesser species of flamingoes.
• Greater flamingoes have whitish-pink feathers, pink legs, and black-edged wings. Lesser flamingoes weigh almost half compared to the greater species.
• Both species are pretty much the same in appearance, but they can be easily distinguished by their much pinker plumage and black bills.
• At times, extensive stretches of azure waters are painted pink by thousands of flamingoes huddled together on their legs.
• And at other times, pink spots create a polka dot-like pattern on the surface of the water.

Seeing a plumage of flamingoes take flight is going to be an experience that will knock your shoes off! You’ll witness the wings beating the air, hear the harmony of their sounds, and see the glorious spectacle of the communal lift.

Wildlife of Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its exceptional birdlife, but it also boasts a diverse array of fauna. The park hosts one of the biggest concentrations of mammals in Africa, making it an excellent place for seeing both birds and animals.

Apart from rhinos, all of the big five can be seen on safaris and elephants have become synonymous with the park’s name. Here is a list of animals that you can anticipate seeing on Lake Manyara National Park Safaris:

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park offers ample opportunity for wildlife spotting, game viewing, birding, and unique night game drives. During wet seasons when water levels are sufficiently high, visitors can go canoeing as well.

While sightings of cheetahs and African Wild Dogs are rare, they do happen and contribute an element of excitement and unpredictability to the experience. Their occasional presence signifies the park's natural diversity and the unpredictability that makes each safari distinctive.

Lake Manyara is distinguished by its baboon population, the greatest globally. Groups exceeding 100 individuals are frequently observed, providing visitors with a unique insight into the intricate social behaviours of these intriguing monkeys in their native environment.

Attractions of Lake Manyara National Park

The incredible game-viewing circuit through the compact ecosystem of Tanzania offers an example of an ideal Safari In Tanzania experience. Right from the entrance gate, there will never be a moment that won’t amaze you.

The road takes you through an expanse of lush groundwater forest where hundreds of baboons along the roadside can be seen welcoming you! Other animals that you are expected to encounter are blue monkeys and cape bushbucks.

Here are some of the primary attractions in and of Lake Manyara National Park:

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara – The Eponymous Body Of Azure Water!

Lake Manyara is the major attraction of the national park. 89 square miles of the park is covered by the lake itself. It is a shallow alkaline lake that is formed as a result of a depression within the Great Rift Valley.

The average depth of the lake typically varies between 2.8 to 3 feet, making it quite accessible for wildlife throughout the year. It’s surrounded by marshlands, saline flats, and grasslands. Because of an unlimited water source, large fig and mahogany trees are filling up the forest area.

This alkaline Soda Lake is home to an incredible array of bird life that thrives on its brackish waters. Lake Manyara is a scenic gem, which is clear from the statement stated by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa”.

Tree-climbing Lions

Lake Manyara’s famous tree-climbing lions are another reason for visiting this Tanzania National Park. It is among the most unique attractions that can be seen by visitors.

Lions seem to climb trees mostly to keep themselves from getting bitten by insects, keep an eye on their prey grazing on the nearby savannah plains, and lastly stay protected from elephants and buffalos, who at times tend to attack.

Pink Flamingoes

Lake Manyara is famous for hosting probably the largest population of Flamingos in the world. Algae-filled Lake Manyara attracts nearly about 1.9 million flamingos that leverage the lake for feeding on algae.

The big flocks of flamingos make them easier to be spotted from a distance and almost paint the Lake a shade of pink.

Impressively Tusked Elephants!

A large Elephant population inhabits Lake Manyara National Park. They can be abundantly seen throughout the park and more so near the water bodies during the dry seasons. Lake Manyara also serves as an important habitat for these huge mammals.

Hot Springs

A large swampy area that gets fed with hot springs water located on the western shores of Lake Manyara National Park is called Maji Moto Kubwa hot springs.

Several hot springs seep from the nearby valley wall, bubbling at over 60 degrees Celsius fall into the swamp. It is a famous viewpoint, where you can do almost nothing and still enjoy your time gazing at the timeless beauty of this place.

Bird Species

Lake Manyara National Park is a habitat for a variety of bird species that includes a huge array of migratory and native birds. Flamingos, ostriches, hornbills, pelicans, herons, grey-crowned cranes, secretary birds, cormorants and storks are among the major bird species in the park.

With over 400 varieties of bird species, Lake Manyara National Park is rightly called a bird watcher’s paradise. Even a first-time visitor to Africa might expect to spot 100 of these in one day.

Things To Do In Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is a unique destination that offers visitors a wide variety of activities and experiences to enjoy. Here are some of the different Lake Manyara National Park Activities:

• The wildlife species can be seen in their natural habitat occupied with their daily activities.
• Lake Manyara is covered with mahogany trees and therefore an excellent place to spot giraffes, monkeys, and buffalos.
• While on its vast stretch of savannah plains one can easily spot zebras, impalas, warthogs, elephant herds, cheetahs, and hippos among many others.

Spotting tree-climbing lions taking a rest on the tree branches is also a common phenomenon in the Lake Manyara National Park.

Lake Manyara National Park

Night Game Drives

Lake Manyara National Park is among the few Tanzania National Parks that offer night game drives. Sometimes these animals are difficult to spot during broad daylight but nocturnal animals can be easily seen during the night. Night Safaris are done in special safari jeeps with open sides and tops for ensuring uninterrupted night game driving and viewing.

Animals like lions, leopards, porcupines, civet cats, jackals and so many others can be seen taking strolls at night. Therefore, do not forget to plan for a night game drive in Lake Manyara National Park during your next Safari in Tanzania and experience the thrill and excitement on an entirely different level.

Canoeing

Just like Night safaris, Lake Manyara National Park is among the few places in Tanzania where you can go canoeing. Canoeing on Lake Manyara offers ample opportunity to spot aquatic wildlife like water birds, hippos along with many other animals on the shore gathered to quench their thirst.

Walking Safaris

Lake Manyara National Park offers an extraordinary opportunity to discover its varied wildlife most distinctly. This National Park is a scenic beauty and nature walks are an excellent way to explore its various facets.

In the company of armed guides for the safety of tourists from dangerous animals, walking safaris in the Lake Manyara National Park are one of a kind that takes you close enough to nature and ensures close encounters with the wildlife.

Treetop Canopy Walk

Moving along the treetop walkway is another major activity to undertake during the Lake Manyara National Park safari. It is an incredible way of discovering the beauty of the park.

Canopy walk ensures ultimate views and amazing bird-watching experiences. You will also come across playful monkeys jumping and entertaining throughout the route.

Our Recommended Lake Manyara Tours

We at African Scenic Safaris have a great appreciation for Lake Manyara National Park which is why we love to show travellers the wonders of this Tanzania National Park comprehensively. If you’d also like to go for a Lake Manyara Tour then below are some of our recommendations:

12 Days Tanzania Family Safaris – This Tanzania Safari itinerary is made specifically with families in mind so that every member can enjoy the safari experiences Tanzania offers. This isn’t the extent of the Tanzania Safari Package however because you’ll experience a combination of the best of both the bush and beach.

8 Days Tanzania Classic Safari – This is a Tanzania Safari Package that represents safaris in a classic sense. You’ll get to visit 4 different Tanzania National Parks, including Lake Manyara on the last day.

Lake Manyara Accommodations

Lake Manyara National Park has a range of varied accommodation options. There are several private concessions as well as tented camps and luxury lodges. You’ll have certain choices based on your budget i.e., budget, mid-range, and luxury. Below are some of our recommendations for each category:

Budget Accommodations

These types of Tanzania Accommodations are great for those individuals who want to experience Tanzania Safaris in the most rustic and natural way. Plus, an added benefit is travelling on an affordable budget.

Mid-Range Accommodations

This accommodation category is also a popular choice among visitors. You’ll get to enjoy all basic plus some hints of luxury amenities in these Lake Manyara Accommodations.

Luxury Accommodations

If you prefer to have a safari experience covered with signature luxuries and amenities, then this is your go-to option. Some examples include:

Central Highlights of Lake Manyara National Park

Now that we’ve covered all the major aspects of Lake Manyara National Park Safaris, it’s time for a refresher! Here are some of the central highlights of Lake Manyara National Park:

• The centrepiece of the park – Lake Manyara, provides a stunning backdrop for wildlife sightings.
• Home to an extensive array of wildlife – ranging from mammals and primates to several herbivores, antelopes, and tree-climbing lions.
• The park is home to the largest population of baboons on the planet.
• The varied vegetation ranges from lush forests to open grasslands.
• Unique habitats like an umbrella, acacia, sausage, and baobab trees provide a life-nurturing force for a variety of wildlife and birdlife.
• The best Tanzania National Park to see a full display of high-flying avians with more than 400 documented species of birds.
• The wet season of the park brings with it several migratory birds, with the highlight being the plumage of beautiful pink flamingoes.
• The soothing Maji Moto Hot springs are located inside the park’s premises, and visiting here is the most relaxing and refreshing.

Lake Manyara National Park PDF

Discover Lake Manyara’s wildlife, birdlife, activities and scenic highlights with our free PDF. It is your quick guide to exploring this unique Tanzania national park.

• Download PDF Now

An Integral Paradise For Safari Lovers!

We at African Scenic Safaris have a great appreciation for Lake Manyara National Park which is why we love to show travellers the wonders of this Tanzania National Park comprehensively. If you’d also like to go for a Lake Manyara Tour then below are some of our recommendations:

12 Days Tanzania Family Safaris – This Tanzania Safari itinerary is made specifically with families in mind so that every member can enjoy the safari experiences Tanzania offers. This isn’t the extent of the Tanzania Safari Package however because you’ll experience a combination of the best of both the bush and beach.

8 Days Tanzania Classic Safari – This is a Tanzania Safari Package that represents safaris in a classic sense. You’ll get to visit 4 different Tanzania National Parks, including Lake Manyara on the last day.

Lake Manyara National Park FAQ'S